EFEITOS DAS ATIVIDADES DE MINERAÇÃO NAS COMUNIDADES DE AVES EM ÁREAS DE TRANSIÇÃO ENTRE CERRADO E MATA ATLÂNTICA, BRASIL.

Abstract

This study analyzed bird species richness in areas under direct and indirect influence of mining in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a transitional zone between the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest, focusing on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on bird communities. During seven sampling campaigns conducted between October 2020 and August 2023, 236 bird species were recorded, distributed across 43 families and 18 orders. Species richness analysis, including estimates using the Jackknife 1 method, indicated higher richness in areas with greater habitat heterogeneity, supporting the hypothesis that environmental structural diversity positively influences bird richness. The predominance of Passeriformes, especially the Tyrannidae family, reflects their broad adaptability to different environments. Trophic guild analysis showed a predominance of generalist birds, with frugivores and insectivores being more abundant in areas indirectly influenced by mining. The presence of threatened species highlights the importance of less impacted areas for conservation. Comparisons with other studies suggest that the region's bird diversity is significant but experiences changes in species composition due to mining activities. The overlap of species between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest evidences the high biodiversity in transitional areas, underscoring their importance for integrated conservation of both biomes. Seasonality influenced bird distribution, with greater richness recorded during the dry season, possibly associated with food resource availability and greater species detectability. The results emphasize the need for conservation strategies that consider the influence of mining on avifauna and provide insights for environmental policy planning and sustainable management actions in the region.